Jurisdiction of the Sub-District Court Judge, District Court of Den Haag

For residents of Den Haag, the jurisdiction of the sub-district court judge at the District Court of Den Haag determines when it handles your civil case. This primarily covers everyday disputes such as consumer purchases up to €25,000, rental issues in the city, or employment conflicts. The sub-district court is accessible: no mandatory lawyer required and expedited procedures. This article explains the rules, focusing on consumer law for Den Haag residents.

Legal Basis of the Jurisdiction

The rules governing the sub-district court judge are set out in the Code of Civil Procedure (Rv), articles 96 to 105. Article 96 Rv covers mandatory jurisdiction: cases that must be heard exclusively by the sub-district court judge of the District Court of Den Haag, such as employment matters, rental disputes, and claims under death-risk insurance policies. Article 97 Rv addresses optional jurisdiction for claims up to €25,000 (since 1 July 2023; previously €20,000).

In consumer law cases in Den Haag, the sub-district court is typically the forum for purchases or services under €25,000. Above that threshold, you may choose between the sub-district court or the general division, but mandatory categories remain with the District Court of Den Haag.

Subject-Matter Jurisdiction: Which Cases in Den Haag?

Subject-matter jurisdiction depends on the type of dispute. The sub-district court judge of the District Court of Den Haag handles:

Mandatory jurisdiction for:
- Employment law (dismissal, wage claims).
- Rental law (properties in Den Haag).
- Consumer purchase agreements for goods or services up to €25,000 (commonly chosen).
- Travel and transport (e.g., cancelled trips from Scheveningen).
- Disputes over subscriptions or debt collection in the area.
Optional jurisdiction for claims up to €25,000.

For higher amounts or complex matters such as intellectual property, cases go to the general division of the District Court of Den Haag. More about small claims.

Type of Jurisdiction	Examples in Den Haag	Threshold Amount	Lawyer Required?
Mandatory	Employment, rent in Den Haag neighborhoods, travel	N/A	No
Optional	Consumer purchases, local invoices	€25,000	No
Exception (district court)	Properties > €25,000, family law	> €25,000	Sometimes yes

Territorial Jurisdiction: Litigating in Den Haag?

Territorial jurisdiction determines the location (articles 99-106 Rv). Normally, the sub-district court at the defendant's domicile has jurisdiction, often the District Court of Den Haag. Exceptions for Den Haag residents:

Consumer purchases: plaintiff's domicile (art. 101 Rv), ideal for locals.
Forum selection clauses in contracts (e.g., general terms).
Rentals: location of the property in Den Haag or Schilderswijk.

Example: You buy a faulty refrigerator online from a shop in Rotterdam but live in Den Haag. Proceed to the sub-district court judge at the District Court of Den Haag.

Practical Examples for Den Haag

Example 1: Faulty laptop bought for €900 from a Den Haag retailer who refuses repair. The sub-district court judge at the District Court of Den Haag (your domicile) has jurisdiction; start with a writ of summons.

Example 2: Gym subscription in Zuiderpark at €35/month, but club closes. Claim €600: optional at sub-district court, handle it yourself.

Example 3: Package holiday to the beach cancelled, €1,800 loss. Mandatory at sub-district court (art. 96 Rv).

Above €25,000, you choose, but mandatory cases stay in Den Haag.

Rights and Obligations at the District Court of Den Haag

Rights:

Low court fees under €25,000.
Hearings without a lawyer (art. 102 Rv).
Witness examination at hearing.
Appeal to the District Court of Den Haag.

Obligations:

Select the correct court; otherwise, referral (art. 108 Rv).
Clearly formulate your claim.
Attend the hearing at the District Court of Den Haag.

Consumers in Den Haag benefit from the Unfair Commercial Practices Act.

Frequently Asked Questions for Den Haag Residents

Is the Den Haag sub-district court always competent for claims under €25,000?

No, it's optional. Mandatory cases like rentals in Den Haag always go there, even above that amount.

Can I choose the location in Den Haag myself?

Yes, often your domicile for consumer purchases. See art. 101 Rv or writ of summons.

Chosen the wrong court?

The District Court of Den Haag will refer it (art. 108 Rv), causing delay but no extra costs.

Do I need a lawyer at the District Court of Den Haag?

No, not mandatory. Consult the Legal Aid Office Den Haag for free advice. More info.

Tips for Den Haag Residents

Check jurisdiction on rechtspraak.nl or via the District Court of Den Haag.
Send a demand letter first for leverage.
Gather evidence: receipts, emails.
Try mediation via the Municipality of Den Haag (More about mediation).
Report complaints to the ACM or local dispute committee.
Visit the Legal Aid Office Den Haag for assistance.

Unsure? Contact the Legal Aid Office Den Haag for a free initial consultation. This article was updated as of 2023 and contains approximately 1,200 words.

Related articles: Small claims in Den Haag

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